On March 31, 2025, the ANC declared its determination to resist external pressures, including threats from US President Donald Trump and lobbying efforts by Afrikaner groups concerning its land reform policies. The party's defiant stance underscores its commitment to national sovereignty and democratic principles, rejecting authoritarian influence.

Unions, including Cosatu, have warned that a potential coalition between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance could jeopardize worker rights and labor laws, calling it a betrayal of the ANC's progressive legacy.

The ANC declared R16.7 million in donations during the fourth quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. Its main donors included companies associated with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law and mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, with African Rainbow Mineral Limited, Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, and Naspers Limited contributing significant amounts.

The article outlines the ANC's historical pattern of selectively condemning human rights abuses while supporting regimes known for serious violations, such as hosting Hamas delegations, shielding figures like Omar al-Bashir, maintaining friendly ties with Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, and voting in favor of anti-Israel resolutions while abstaining on condemnations of other authoritarian regimes.

The Electoral Commission's third quarter disclosure report for the 2023/24 financial year shows that the African National Congress (ANC) declared monetary donations totaling R10 000 000.00, with two equal donations of R5 000 000.00 each received from the Chancellor House Trust during December 2023.

During the 2023/24 financial year reporting quarter (1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023), the ANC submitted its donation declarations late, prompting the Electoral Commission to request written representations under section 15(1) of the Party Funding Act. This breach in timely reporting raises concerns about transparency and accountability in political funding.

An opinion piece by Shawn Hagedorn criticizes the African National Congress for aligning with authoritarian regimes. The article argues that the party’s embrace of non-democratic powers, such as China and Russia, reinforces outdated patronage politics and undermines both democratic legitimacy and economic development in South Africa.

The ANC submitted a late declaration for a donation of R496,880 in kind during the 2022/23 financial quarter. This delay in reporting triggered a regulatory directive requiring the party to submit written reasons, as outlined in the fourth quarter Political Party Funding Disclosure Report published by the Independent Electoral Commission.

During a Freedom Day debate in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, ANC officials were condemned for chronic labor rights violations including delayed salaries, discriminatory hiring practices, and politically motivated mismanagement. These issues highlight a broader pattern of favoritism and corruption under the ANC-led government.

The published declarations report for Q4 2022/2023 indicates that the African National Congress declared a monetary donation of R1,500,000.00 from the Ichikowitz Family Foundation on 06/01/2023, as well as an in-kind donation of R496,880.00 from the Education and Training Unit on 01/01/2023. This transparent disclosure, made in compliance with the Political Party Funding Act, reinforces accountability in political funding.

The article reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa, representing the ruling ANC, signed into law the Films and Publications Amendment Act—dubbed the 'Internet Censorship Act'—which empowers the Film and Publications Board to regulate online content. The move has been sharply criticized by the opposition Democratic Alliance for curtailing freedom of expression and enabling state censorship.

In 2010, Julius Malema, then leader of the ANC youth movement, performed the historic struggle song 'Kill the Boer' at ANC rallies. Although critics have condemned the song's literal interpretation, defenders argue that its use reflects the party’s long-standing role in mobilizing anti-apartheid resistance against oppressive systems.